Confined Space Safety - Know the Risks Before You Enter
Confined spaces can present serious hazards if they’re not properly identified and managed. Learn how to recognize confined spaces, follow essential safety practices and understand the requirements for working in these environments.
According to OSHA, a confined space is an area that is large enough for a worker to enter and perform a task but is not designed for continuous occupancy. These spaces typically have limited or restricted entry and exit points and may have poor natural ventilation, creating the potential for hazardous conditions.
Examples of confined spaces include tanks, silos, storage bins, hoppers, pits, tunnels, equipment housings, and ductwork.
Whether you're at work or at home, the first step in staying safe is recognizing when you're dealing with a confined space. Once identified, follow these safety practices to help reduce risk:
- Evaluate the space before entry and eliminate or control potential hazards whenever possible.
- Test the atmosphere with a properly calibrated gas monitor to detect hazardous gases or oxygen-deficient conditions that cannot be identified by sight or smell.
- Ensure the space is adequately ventilated.
- Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task.
- Isolate the confined space to prevent additional hazards from entering the work area.
- Have a trained attendant remain outside the space to monitor conditions, maintain communication, and initiate emergency procedures if needed.
- Always have a rescue plan in place before work begins.
- Verify that lighting inside the confined space is sufficient for the work being performed.
- Maintain continuous communication with the outside attendant so any concerns or emergencies can be addressed immediately.
Olympic Steel's Confined Space Policy
At Olympic Steel and all of our subsidiaries, we do not perform work inside “Permit-Required Confined Spaces.” If a confined space cannot be reclassified as a “Non-Permit Required Confined Space,” only qualified contractors are authorized to perform work in those areas.
For situations involving confined space work, Olympic Steel maintains a comprehensive “Confined Space Program” that outlines the required procedures and safe work practices for confined space entry. The program applies to maintenance employees, authorized personnel, and qualified contractors who may enter a confined space.
The Confined Space Program is available on OSSIE. Please review it before performing any work involving confined spaces.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to your local Safety contact.
Safety First. Always. And, it starts with me.
